BMW Model Confusion May Continue With a 2 Series Gran Coupe

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible (Credit: © BMW)

BMW has tried in the past to simplify its lineup, and the separation of the 3 and 4 series was one way it drew a clear line in the sand. On one side of the line was the even-numbered 4 Series, which had two doors. On the other side of the line was the odd-numbered 3 Series, which had four doors and had a wagon version. Well, then it grenade that idea with the release of the four-door “coupe” 4 Series Gran Coupe. Now it appears BMW is doing the same thing with the 2 Series, as reports indicate the Germans are contemplating a Gran Coupe version of the 2er.

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According to the report from Auto, Motor und Sport, the Gran Coupe will retain the 2 Series Coupe’s rear-wheel-drive underpinnings instead of going with the front-driven platform of the Tourer models. This will give the four-door 2 Series a leg up on its closest competitor, the front-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz CLA.

This retention of the rear-wheel-drive architecture goes beyond customer demand though. It is also a cost-saving measure, as the basic platform is scalable to the future 3, 5, and 7 Series models. All BMW will do is change the wheelbase and track width of the platform to create the larger models.

Reports indicate that the four-door “coupe” version of the 2 Series will hit production no sooner than 2018.

There is no mention of the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s drivetrain or if it will undergo any sort of facelift before hitting the market with two extra doors. In fact, the 2 Series’ future is a bit cloudy as a whole, but we do know that there is a reported M2 and an X2 crossover. Reports indicate that these two models will hit the market by 2017, which gives BMW at least a year to get the Gran Coupe version in order.

Stay tuned for more details.